Question 1

How do I calculate the true monthly cost of internet?

Accepted Answer

Add the base monthly price plus equipment rental fees (router/modem, typically $10-15/month), plus any additional fees like unlimited data add-ons ($25-30/month for Xfinity), minus autopay or bundling discounts. Also factor in the price increase after promotional period ends. For example, Xfinity Gigabit at $80/month promo + $14 equipment = $94/month, rising to $103 + $14 = $117/month after 12 months.

Question 2

Is it cheaper to rent or buy my own router?

Accepted Answer

Buying your own router almost always saves money long-term. ISP equipment rental typically costs $10-15/month ($120-180/year). A good Wi-Fi 6 router costs $100-200 and lasts 3-5 years. You'll break even in about a year and save hundreds over the life of the router. Note that some providers like AT&T Fiber, Spectrum, and Google Fiber include equipment at no extra cost, so check your provider's policy first.

Question 3

What does 'price for life' actually mean?

Accepted Answer

Providers like Quantum Fiber (CenturyLink) and some fiber ISPs offer price lock guarantees, meaning your rate won't increase as long as you maintain service. This is different from promotional pricing, which expires after 12-24 months. Always read the fine print - some 'price for life' guarantees only apply to the base internet price and don't cover equipment fees or additional services.

Question 4

How much data does streaming use per month?

Accepted Answer

Streaming data usage varies by quality: SD video uses about 1 GB per hour, HD video uses 3 GB per hour, 4K video uses 7 GB per hour, and music streaming uses about 150 MB per hour. A household streaming 3 hours of HD video daily uses about 270 GB/month. Gaming uses 40-300 MB per hour for gameplay but game downloads can be 50-150 GB each. Video calls use about 1.5 GB per hour. Calculate your household's usage to determine if a data cap will be an issue.

Question 5

Are installation fees negotiable?

Accepted Answer

Many providers offer free installation promotions, especially for new customers signing up online. If you're quoted an installation fee ($50-100 is typical), ask about self-installation options (usually free) or mention a competitor's free installation offer. Professional installation is usually required for fiber in new areas, but many providers waive the fee during promotions. Checking the provider's website for current deals before calling is recommended.

Tier	Speed Range	Best For
Basic	25-100 Mbps	Good for browsing, email, and light streaming
Moderate	100-300 Mbps	Good for HD streaming, video calls, and small households
Fast	300-500 Mbps	Good for multiple devices, 4K streaming, and gaming
Very Fast	500-1000 Mbps	Great for large households and heavy usage
Ultra Fast	1000+ Mbps	Best for power users, large file transfers, and home offices

Tier	Speed Range	Best For
Basic	25-100 Mbps	Good for browsing, email, and light streaming
Moderate	100-300 Mbps	Good for HD streaming, video calls, and small households
Fast	300-500 Mbps	Good for multiple devices, 4K streaming, and gaming
Very Fast	500-1000 Mbps	Great for large households and heavy usage
Ultra Fast	1000+ Mbps	Best for power users, large file transfers, and home offices

What Internet Speed Do I Need?

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Internet Speed Guide

Frequently Asked Questions

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What Internet Speed Do I Need?

How many people in your household?

Internet Speed Guide

Frequently Asked Questions

Ready to Find Your Perfect Plan?